Persistent device relationships in wagering game systems

ABSTRACT

In some embodiments a wagering game system comprises a personal area network device configured to render media content including results of a wagering game. The system can include a wagering game machine configured to determine and provide the wagering game results to the personal area network device. The wagering game machine can include a personal area network device transceiver configured to exchange data with the personal area network device, the data including the wagering game results, and a personal area network controller configured to detect the personal area network device, to procure an identification code for the personal area network device without player input, and to authenticate the personal area network device by use of the identification code. The system can also include a repository configured to store the identification code in association with a player identifier and to provide the identification code to the wagering game machine upon request.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/031,923 filed Feb. 27, 2008.

LIMITED COPYRIGHT WAIVER

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patentdisclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patentfiles or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rightswhatsoever. Copyright 2009, WMS Gaming, Inc.

FIELD

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter relate generally to wageringgame systems, and more particularly to pairing personal area networkdevices in a wagering game environment.

BACKGROUND

Wagering game machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines andthe like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for severalyears. Generally, the popularity of such machines depends on thelikelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine andthe intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to otheravailable gaming options. Where the available gaming options include anumber of competing wagering game machines and the expectation ofwinning at each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be thesame), players are likely to be attracted to the most entertaining andexciting machines. Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ themost entertaining and exciting machines, features, and enhancementsavailable because such machines attract frequent play and hence increaseprofitability to the operator. Therefore, there is a continuing need forwagering game machine manufacturers to continuously develop new gamesand gaming enhancements that will attract frequent play.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments describe a method for pairing a wagering game machinewith a Bluetooth™ enabled device, the method comprises receiving, at thewagering game machine, a player identifier; detecting, at the wageringgame machine, a Bluetooth enabled device; using the player identifier toprocure an identification code associated with the Bluetooth enableddevice, wherein the procurement occurs without player input;authenticating the Bluetooth enabled device using the identificationcode; presenting results of a wagering game on the wagering gamemachine; and transmitting media content representing the results to theBluetooth enabled device.

In some embodiments, the procurement of the player identifier alsooccurs without input from the Bluetooth enabled device.

In some embodiments, the identification code is procured from arepository remote from the wagering game machine.

In some embodiments, the wagering game further comprises transmitting tothe Bluetooth enabled device an award associated with the wagering game,wherein the award includes media content presentable on the personalarea network device.

In some embodiments, the authenticating occurs according to theBluetooth enabled standard.

In some embodiments, the Bluetooth device includes a wireless headset,personal digital assistant, or Nintendo® Wii Remote.

In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving, as playerinput at another wagering game machine, the identification code; andtransmitting the identification code for storage in association with theplayer identifier.

In some embodiments, the wagering game machine receives the playeridentifier from the Bluetooth enabled device.

In some embodiments, a wagering game system comprises a personal areanetwork device configured to render media content including results of awagering game; a wagering game machine configured to determine andprovide the wagering game results to the personal area network device,the wagering game machine includes, a personal area network devicetransceiver configured to exchange data with the personal area networkdevice, the data includes the wagering game results; and a personal areanetwork controller configured to detect the personal area networkdevice, to procure an identification code for the personal area networkdevice without player input, and to authenticate the personal areanetwork device by use of the identification code; a repositoryconfigured to store the identification code in association with a playeridentifier and to provide the identification code to the wagering gamemachine upon request.

In some embodiments, the personal area network device includes awireless headset, personal digital assistant, or Nintendo Wii Remote,

In some embodiments, the personal area network device communicatesaccording to a Bluetooth™ standard.

In some embodiments, the repository resides on another wagering gamemachine.

In some embodiments, the repository resides in a player account server.

In some embodiments, the personal area network device includes aNintendo Wii Remote and a biometric reader.

In some embodiments, the repository is further configured to store otheridentification codes in association with other player identifiers and toprovide the other identification codes upon request.

Some embodiments include one or more machine-readable media includinginstructions executable by a machine, the instructions includesinstructions for receiving, at a first wagering game machine, a playeridentifier; instructions for detecting, at the first wagering gamemachine, a personal area network device; instructions for receiving, atthe first wagering game machine, player input including anidentification code associated with the personal area network device;instructions for authenticating, at the first wagering game machine, thepersonal area network device using the identification code; instructionsfor storing the identification code in association with the playeridentifier and a device identifier associated with the personal areanetwork (PAN) device; instructions for presenting, at the first wageringgame machine, results of a first wagering game; instructions forreceiving, at a second wagering game machine, the identification code,wherein the receipt of the identification code occurs without playerinput; instructions for detecting, at the second wagering game machine,the PAN device; instructions for using the identification code, at thesecond wagering game machine, to authenticate the PAN device; andinstructions for presenting, at the second wagering game machine,results of a second wagering game.

In some embodiments, the personal area network device communicatesaccording to a Bluetooth™ standard.

In some embodiments, the personal area network device includes awireless headset, personal digital assistant, or Nintendo Wii Remote.

In some embodiments, the one or more machine-readable media wherein theinstructions further comprise instructions for transmitting the resultsof a first wagering game to the personal area network device; andinstructions for transmitting the results of a second wagering game tothe personal area network device.

In some embodiments, the one or more machine-readable media wherein theinstructions further comprises instructions for transmitting to thepersonal area network device media content including a hint, wherein thehint reveals information that increases odds of winning a futurewagering game.

In some embodiments, a wagering game machine capable of pairing with aBluetooth enabled device, the wagering game machine comprises means forreceiving, at the wagering game machine, a player identifier; means fordetecting, at the wagering game machine, a Bluetooth enabled device;means for using the player identifier to procure an identification codeassociated with the Bluetooth enabled device, wherein the procurementoccurs without player input; means for authenticating the Bluetoothenabled device using the identification code; means for presentingresults of a wagering game on the wagering game machine; and means fortransmitting media content representing the results to the Bluetoothenabled device.

In some embodiments, the procurement of the player identifier alsooccurs without input from the Bluetooth enabled device.

In some embodiments, the identification code is procured from arepository remote from the wagering game machine.

In some embodiments, the wagering game machine further comprises meansfor transmitting to the Bluetooth enabled device an award associatedwith the wagering game, wherein the award includes media contentpresentable on the personal area network device.

In some embodiments, the authenticating occurs according to theBluetooth enabled standard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the Figures of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating how a wagering game systemcan persistently store and reuse PAN device PINs, according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a wagering game machinearchitecture, according to example embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a wagering game network 200,according to example embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for pairing a wageringgame machine with a PAN device, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for pairing a PANdevice to a wagering game machine, according to some embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for using PAN devicesto present community wagering game results, according to someembodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a wagering game machine, according toexample embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

This description of the embodiments is divided into five sections. Thefirst section provides an introduction to embodiments of the invention,while the second section describes example wagering game machinearchitectures. The third section describes example operations performedby some embodiments and the fourth section describes example wageringgame machines in more detail. The fifth section presents some generalcomments.

Introduction

This section provides an introduction to some embodiments of theinvention.

Wagering game systems can include personal area networking (PAN)technologies (e.g., Bluetooth™, IrDA®, ZigBee, Ultra-wideband, etc.)that enhance gaming experiences. Some PAN technologies allow players toprovide input and receive output using wireless devices. For example,PAN devices can enable players to receive audio via wireless headphones,provide input via wireless input devices (e.g., Nintendo Wii), receivecontent on personal digital assistants or smartphones, provide speechinput via wireless microphone, etc.

To establish secure communications, PAN devices and wagering gamemachines may perform operations for “pairing.” Pairing is a process inwhich a wagering game machine authenticates a PAN device using a secretshared between the devices. In some instances, a player enters a secret,such as a personal identification number (PIN) or other authenticationcode including any suitable indicia such as letters and numbers, into awagering game machine and a PAN device. The wagering game machine andPAN device can use the PIN to create encryption keys which they can usefor authentication and establishing encrypted communications. After aplayer initially provides a PAN device's PIN, some embodiments enablethe player to use the PAN device with any other wagering game networkdevice (e.g., other wagering game machines) without the player againproviding the PAN device's PIN. FIG. 1 describes these concepts in moredetail.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating how a wagering game systemcan persistently store and reuse PAN device PINs, according to someembodiments of the invention. In FIG. 1, six stages show how a wageringgame system 100 stores and reuses PAN device PINs. In FIG. 1, thewagering game system 100 includes two wagering game machines 102 & 118and an account server 116.

During stage one, a player initiates a wagering game session on awagering game machine 102 by swiping a player card 104 through a cardreader 106. Swiping the player card 104 provides the player's playeridentifier to the wagering game machine 102. The wagering game machinemay also ask the player to enter a password (or other secret), so it canauthenticate the player. During stage two, the wagering game machine 102looks for PAN devices with which it can pair. After recognizing the PANdevice 102, the wagering game machine 102 prompts the player 110 toenter a PIN associated with the PAN device 102. As shown, the PAN device112 can be wireless headphones or any other suitable device, such as aPDA, media player, remote control, etc.

During stage three, the wagering game machine 102 establishescommunications with the PAN device 112 and uses the PIN to authenticatethe PAN device 112. After authentication, the device 112 and machine 102can securely communicate using encrypted communications. The wageringgame machine 102 can present content and game results on its owncomponents, while also sending content and game results (e.g., a game'saudio content) for presentation on the PAN device 112.

During stage four, the wagering game machine 102 transmits the player'sidentifier, an identifier for the PAN device 112, and the PIN device'sPIN to the account server 116 (see 114). The account server 116 canstore the PAN device identifier and PIN with the player's accountinformation (e.g., account balance, player preferences, other PAN devicePINs, etc.). The PAN device's PIN can be used later when the PAN device112 pairs with other wagering game machines, as described below.

During stage five, the player initiates a wagering game session withanother wagering game machine 118. To initiate the session, the playerswipes the player card 104 through the machine's card reader 120,providing the player's player identifier to the wagering game machine118. After receiving the player identifier, the wagering game machine118 asks the account server 116 for any PAN device identifiers and PANdevice PINS associated with the player identifier (see 124). Duringstage six, the wagering game machine 102 looks for any PAN devices withwhich it can pair. Using the PAN device identifier and PIN received fromthe account server 116, the wagering game machine 118 authenticates thePAN device 112. In turn, the wagering game machine 118 sends wageringgame content to the PAN device 112.

Although some of the above-described embodiments pair using PINS, otherembodiments uses other techniques. For example, some embodiments canrequire that secret information (e.g., a private key) be transmitted toone or both devices via a secure means, such as over an encryptedwireless connection or a direct and secure wired connection. In someinstances, a separate “configuration device” can provide the secretinformation to both the PAN device and wagering game machine.Alternatively, a wagering game machine or PAN device can provide thesecret information to the other. After the initial transmission of thesecret information, the PAN device can pair with other devices withoutagain performing such a transmission.

In addition to further describing the concepts noted above, thefollowing discussion describes how some embodiments utilize PAN devicesto facilitate various wagering game features. The following discussiondescribes embodiments that use a PIN for pairing. Those embodiments arenot limited to PINS, as they can use any suitable means for representinga shared secret.

Operating Environment

This section describes an example operating environment and presentsstructural aspects of some embodiments. This section includes discussionabout wagering game machine architectures and wagering game networks.

Wagering Game Machine Architectures

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a wagering game machinearchitecture, according to example embodiments of the invention. Asshown in FIG. 2, the wagering game machine architecture 200 includes awagering game machine 206, which includes a central processing unit(CPU) 226 connected to main memory 228. The CPU 226 can include anysuitable processor, such as an Intel® Pentium processor, Intel® Core 2Duo processor, AMD Opteron™ processor, or UltraSPARC processor.

The main memory 228 includes a PAN device controller 234. The PAN devicecontroller 234 can establish and control communications with PANdevices, such as PDAs, wireless headphones, remote controls, mediaplayers, etc. The PAN controller 234 works in concert with the PANtransceiver 236, which can include logic for communicating according toany suitable PAN technology (e.g., Bluetooth™, IrDA®, ZigBee,Ultra-wideband, etc.). The PAN controller 234 and PAN transceiver 236can detect and pair with PAN devices. In some instances, the PANcontroller 234 requires a PIN for authenticating PAN devices. The PANcontroller 234 can acquire the PIN via player input or from a centralrepository (e.g., an account server). The main memory 228 also includesa wagering game unit 232 that can present wagering games, such as videopoker, video black jack, video slots, video lottery, etc., in whole orpart. The wagering game unit 232 can use the PAN components fortransmitting content to PAN devices. In some instances, the wageringgame unit 232 can present wagering games having functionally thatrequires PAN devices. For example, some wagering games can award MP3s orother content based on game results. For community games, the wageringgame unit 232 can send player-specific output (e.g., audio) to aplayer's PAN device, so others cannot perceive the output.

The CPU 226 is also connected to an input/output (I/O) bus 222, whichcan include any suitable bus technologies, such as an AGTL+ frontsidebus and a PCI backside bus. The I/O bus 222 is connected to a payoutmechanism 208, primary display 210, secondary display 212, value inputdevice 214, player input device 216, information reader 218, storageunit 230, and the PAN transceiver 236. The player input device 216 caninclude the value input device 214 to the extent the player input device216 is used to place wagers. The I/O bus 222 is also connected to anexternal system interface 224, which is connected to external systems204 (e.g., wagering game networks).

In one embodiment, the wagering game machine 206 can include additionalperipheral devices and/or more than one of each component shown in FIG.2. For example, in one embodiment, the wagering game machine 206 caninclude multiple external system interfaces 224 and/or multiple CPUs226. In one embodiment, any of the components can be integrated orsubdivided.

Any of the components of the architecture 200 can be integrated orsubdivided. Also, any of the components can include hardware, firmware,and/or machine-readable media including instructions for performing theoperations described herein. Machine-readable media includes anymechanism that provides (i.e., stores and/or transmits) information in aform readable by a machine (e.g., a wagering game machine, computer,etc.). For example, tangible machine-readable media includes read onlymemory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media,optical storage media, flash memory machines, etc. Machine-readablemedia also includes any media suitable for transmitting software over anetwork.

While FIG. 2 describes an example wagering game machine architecture,this section continues with a discussion wagering game networks.

Wagering Game Networks

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a wagering game network 200,according to example embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3,the wagering game network 300 includes a plurality of casinos 312connected to a communications network 314. Each casino 312 includes alocal area network 316, which includes an access point 304, a wageringgame server 306, account server 318, PAN devices 320, and wagering gamemachines 302. The access point 304 provides wireless communication links310 and wired communication links 308. The wired and wirelesscommunication links can employ any suitable connection technology, suchas Bluetooth, 802.11, Ethernet, public switched telephone networks,SONET, etc. In some embodiments, the wagering game server 306 can servesingle-player and community wagering games and distribute content todevices located in other casinos 312 or at other locations on thecommunications network 314.

The PAN devices 320 can include any suitable devices, such as PDAs,wireless headsets, Wii™ Remotes from Nintendo®, wireless mice, wirelessjoysticks, etc. The PAN devices 320 can also include wired devices(e.g., wired Universal Serial Bus devices). As noted above, the PANdevices 320 can pair with wagering game machines 302 and exchangewagering game content and other information. In some instances, thewagering game machines 302 can act as Internet access points for the PANdevices 320. That is, the wagering game machines 302 can access theInternet via the communications network 314 and exchange Internetcontent with the PAN devices 320 using PAN technologies.

During the pairing process, the wagering game machines 302 can receivePAN device PINs as player input or the machines 302 can procure PANdevice PINs from the account server 318. The account server 318 canstore player account information including PAN device PINs, as describedherein.

The wagering game machines 302 described herein can take any suitableform, such as floor standing models, handheld mobile units, bartopmodels, workstation-type console models, etc. Further, the wagering gamemachines 302 can be primarily dedicated for use in conducting wageringgames, or can include non-dedicated devices, such as mobile phones,personal digital assistants, personal computers, etc. In one embodiment,the wagering game network 300 can include other network devices, such asaccounting servers, wide area progressive servers, player trackingservers, and/or other devices suitable for use in connection withembodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments, wagering game machines 302 and wagering gameservers 306 work together such that a wagering game machine 302 can beoperated as a thin, thick, or intermediate client. For example, one ormore elements of game play may be controlled by the wagering gamemachine 302 (client) or the wagering game server 306 (server). Game playelements can include executable game code, lookup tables, configurationfiles, game outcome, audio or visual representations of the game, gameassets or the like. In a thin-client example, the wagering game server306 can perform functions such as determining game outcome or managingassets, while the wagering game machine 302 can present a graphicalrepresentation of such outcome or asset modification to the user (e.g.,player). In a thick-client example, the wagering game machines 302 candetermine game outcomes and communicate the outcomes to the wageringgame server 306 for recording or managing a player's account.

In some embodiments, either the wagering game machines 302 (client) orthe wagering game server 306 can provide functionality that is notdirectly related to game play. For example, account transactions andaccount rules may be managed centrally (e.g., by the wagering gameserver 306) or locally (e.g., by the wagering game machine 302). Otherfunctionality not directly related to game play may include powermanagement, presentation of advertising, software or firmware updates,system quality or security checks, etc.

Any of the wagering game network components (e.g., the wagering gamemachines 302) can include hardware and machine-readable media includinginstructions for performing the operations described herein.

Example Operations

This section describes operations performed by some embodiments of theinventive subjective matter. In the discussion below, the flow diagramswill be described with reference to the block diagrams presented above.However, in some embodiments, the operations can be performed by logicnot described in the block diagrams. In certain embodiments, theoperations can be performed by executing instructions residing onmachine-readable media (e.g., software), while in other embodiments, theoperations can be performed by hardware and/or other logic (e.g.,firmware). In some embodiments, the operations can be performed inseries, while in other embodiments, one or more of the operations can beperformed in parallel. Moreover, some embodiments can perform less thanall the operations shown in any flow diagram.

Pairing Pan Devices

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for pairing a wageringgame machine with a PAN device, according to some embodiments of theinvention. In FIG. 4, the flow 400 begins at block 402. At block 402, awagering game machine receives player credentials, such as by reading aplayer identifier from a player tracking card. The wagering game machinemay require that the player enter a player password, too. The flowcontinues at block 404.

At block 404, the wagering game machine authenticates the playercredentials. For example, the wagering game machine transmits the playercredentials to an account server for comparison to stored versions ofthe credentials. In turn, the account server notifies the wagering gamemachine that the player credentials are authentic. The flow continues atblock 406.

At block 406, the wagering game machine receives profile informationassociated with the player. The profile information includes one or morePAN device pins. In addition to the PAN device pins, the player profileinformation can include player preferences, funds, player gamehistories, etc. As described above, an account server or otherrepository can store pins for PAN devices that have previously pairedwith wagering game network devices (e.g., wagering game machines). Theflow continues at block 408.

At block 408, the wagering game machine determines whether it detects aPAN device. If the wagering game machine detects a PAN device, the flowcontinues at block 410. Otherwise, the flow continues at block 420.

At block 410, after detecting a PAN device, the wagering game machinedetermines whether the PAN device's PIN has been entered into thewagering game system. In making this determination, the wagering gamemachine can search the player's profile information for a PAN deviceidentifier (e.g., the PAN device's Media Access Control address or otherhardware address) identical to that of the detected PAN device. Forembodiments in which PAN device PINs are not part of the player'sprofile information, the wagering game machine can request a particularPAN device's PIN from a central repository or other peer devices. If thePAN device's PIN is not been stored in the wagering game system, theflow continues at block 412. Otherwise, the flow continues at block 416.

At block 412, wagering game machine receives input indicating the PANdevice's PIN. The input can be player input representing a PIN (or othersecret information). Alternatively, the input can be from anotherdevice, such as the PAN device or a configuration device. The flowcontinues at block 414.

At block 414, the wagering game machine stores the PAN device's PIN. Insome embodiments, wagering game machine transmits the PAN device PIN tothe account server or other centralized repository for storage.Alternatively, the wagering game machine can store the PAN device PINlocally. The flow continues at block 416.

At block 416, the wagering game machine authenticates a PAN device usingthe PIN. In some embodiments, the machine authenticates the PAN deviceusing asymmetric encryption based on the PIN. In other embodiments, thewagering game machine can authenticate the PAN device using techniquesdescribed in any of the Bluetooth™ specifications. For example, thewagering game machine and PAN device can use the PIN to createauthentication keys, and to exchange messages created using one or moreof the keys and other data (e.g., addresses, random numbers, etc.). Ifthe machine and device verify the correctness of messages,authentication is successful. The flow continues at block 418.

At block 418, the wagering game machine establishes encryptedcommunications with the PAN device. The flow continues at block 420.

At block 420, the wagering game machine presents a wagering game usingits own components and the PAN device. For example, if the PAN device isa wireless headset, the wagering game machine can transmit the wageringgame's audio content to the headset for presentation. From block 420,the flow ends.

While FIG. 4 describes pairing operations typically performed bywagering game machine, FIG. 5 describes pairing operations of a PANdevice.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for pairing a PANdevice to a wagering game machine, according to some embodiments of theinvention. The flow 500 begins at block 502. At block 502, the PANdevice receives a PIN. In some instances, a player can enter the PANdevice's PIN via a keypad or other input device on the PAN device. Insome PAN devices, the PAN device PIN is preset, so players need notenter the PIN (i.e., the PAN device does not perform the operation atblock 402). The flow continues at block 504.

At block 504, the PAN device uses the PIN (and possibly other data) toauthenticate with a wagering game machine. In some embodiments, the PANdevice and a wagering game machine will successfully authenticate if thePAN device's PIN (and possibly other information) matches a PIN receivedfrom the wagering game machine. In some embodiments, the PAN device canauthenticate with a wagering game machine using techniques described inany of the Bluetooth™ specifications. The flow continues at block 506.

At block 506, the PAN device begins encrypted communications with thewagering game machine. In some embodiments, the encryption scheme isbased on the PAN device PIN. The flow continues at block 508.

At block 508, the PAN device receives and presents content associatedwith a wagering game. In some embodiments, the PAN device receives audioor video content representing results of a wagering game, so a playercan perceive the results on the PAN device instead of the wagering gamemachine. In some embodiments, the PAN device may receive media files orother content as part of an award for a wagering game presented on thewagering game machine. For example, the PAN device may receive a link toa website at which the PAN device can select and download a free mediafile (e.g., MP3 file). From block 508, the flow ends.

Using Pan Devices Without Player Cards

In some embodiments, PAN devices can perform functions typicallyperformed by player tracking cards. That is, in some instances, PANdevices can electronically provide player credentials to wagering gamemachines, eliminating the need to insert player cards. In suchembodiments, PAN devices can store player credentials, such as useridentifiers and the like. After a PAN device has been “paired” with awagering game machine, a player may end the gaming session, leaving withthe device. When the player returns to another wagering game machine (orthe same one), the PAN device can electronically provide playercredentials (e.g., a user identifier) to the wagering game machine.After receiving the player credentials, the wagering game machine canpresent a screen showing the credential or a credential identifier, suchas an avatar. In turn, the player can select his/her credential toconfirm the transaction. The player may then need to enter a password(or other secret) at the wagering game machine. In some instances, thePAN device may transmit the password to the wagering game machine. Insuch an embodiment, a PAN device (e.g., a mobile phone) can display amessage to “Press #1 to confirm login”. If the player presses #1 on thePAN device, the PAN device sends the player's password to the wageringgame machine. In some instances, the PAN device may require separateplayer authentication before it will transmit the player's password.

To prevent a multitude of PAN devices from sending player credentials,the wagering game machine can filter out devices not within a specifiedproximity (e.g. via signal strength or locality mapping to other paireddevices). Also, the wagering game machine may filter out (or place lowerin the list) devices already paired with neighboring machines outsidethe wagering game machine's proximity.

In some embodiments, wagering game machines may repeatedly look for PANdevices that will provide player credentials. For example, if a wageringgame machine having a zero credit balance suddenly receives money from aplayer, the machine may repeatedly look for a PAN device from which itcan obtain player credentials. Similarly, if a player initiates a“sign-in” (e.g., by pressing a button on the wagering game machine), themachine will repeatedly look for a PAN device with which to pair. Insome instances, a player may unexpectedly carry a PAN device out ofrange, causing the machine to terminate the player's game session. If aPAN moves out of range, the machine may repeatedly attempt to find thedevice. If the PAN remains out of range and there is value remaining onthe wagering game machine (e.g., full or fractional credits), themachine can transfer the money back to the player's account or otherwisereallocate the value.

Community Wagering Games and PAN Devices

This section presents embodiments in which community wagering gamesdirect presentation of certain results to PAN devices and other resultsto wagering game machine components. FIG. 6 describes these embodimentsin more detail.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating operations for using PAN devicesto present community wagering game results, according to someembodiments of the invention. The flow 600 begins at block 602. At block602, a wagering game system receives player inputs for a communitywagering game. A plurality of wagering game machines can receive theplayer inputs and report them to a wagering game server or other devicehosting the community game. The flow continues at block 604.

At block 604, a wagering game server or other host determines communityresults and player-specific results for the community wagering game. Thecommunity results depend on the type of community game. For example, fora community slots game, the community results can include a set of reelpositions; for a community Texas Hold 'Em game, the community resultscan include playing cards, etc. Player-specific results can includeaudible or visual hints that indicate how to increase a player's odds ofwinning in future community wagering games. For example, the hint mayreveal that certain game pieces (e.g., playing cards, slots reels, etc.)are more likely to appear. The player-specific results can also includeother awards, such as music files, video files, photos, etc. Thewagering game server can give awards based on player information (e.g.,amounts wagered over a given time, time spent in a casino, etc.), casinoinformation (e.g. a casino is offering special awards), or any othersuitable information. The flow continues at block 606.

At block 606, the wagering game server determines whether PAN devicesare available for players for whom player-specific results weredetermined. In some embodiments, the wagering game server can pollparticipating wagering game machines for a list of player identifiersand active PAN devices. Alternatively, participating wagering gamemachines can report this information before the community wagering gamebegins. If there are PAN devices available, the flow continues at block608. Otherwise, the flow continues at block 610.

At block 608, the wagering game server transmits the player-specificresults for presentation on PAN devices. In some embodiments, thewagering game server can transmit content representing theplayer-specific results to wagering game machines paired with therelevant PAN devices. In turn, the wagering game machines can forwardthe results to the PAN devices. For example, if the player-specificresults for a particular player include an audible hint, the wageringgame server can transmit media content to a wagering game machine atwhich the player swiped a player card. In turn, the wagering gamemachine can forward the media content to a PAN device, which can revealthe hint by rendering the media content. In some instances, the wageringgame server can select the content for representing the hint or otheraward based on the type of PAN device associated with the player. Forexample, if the PAN device is a headset, the hint will be included in anaudio file. If the PAN device is a PDA, the hint can be included in atext file. Because a PAN device (e.g., a wireless headset, PDA, etc.)reveals the hint, it is more likely that only the player will perceivethe hint. The flow continues at block 610.

At block 610, the wagering game server transmits the general results forpresentation on the wagering game machines and other publiclyperceptible devices (e.g., a video display specifically for thecommunity game). Additionally, the server also transmits the generalresults addressed to any available PAN devices. As a result, players canview the general results on the wagering game machines and any availablePAN devices. From block 610, the flow ends.

While the discussion above indicates that wagering game machines (orother devices) transmit content to the PAN devices, so embodimentsoperate differently. Instead of transmitting the actual content, anidentifier is transmitted, wherein the identifier identifies contentalready stored on the PAN device.

Additional Embodiments

In some embodiments, wagering game machines can use Sony's “TransferJet”technology to exchange content with PAN devices and other devices. TheTransferJet technology is a close proximity wireless transfer technologyenabling the high speed transfer of large data files (e.g., photos, HDimages, etc.) between wagering game machines and mobile phones, digitalcameras, digital video cameras, media players, etc. Using thistechnology, data can be sent at speeds of 560 Mbps.

Using TransferJet, just touching a wagering game machine with a devicetriggers an automatic download of media files. TransferJet eliminatescomplex setup procedures required by some existing wireless systems, andno access point is necessary. Players can register their electronicdevices with a wagering game system so wagering game machines and otherrelated devices recognize those devices. By registering devices,wagering game systems can prevent external data leakage.

In some embodiments in which a PAN device includes a Wii Remote™, theWii Remote can be adapted to include a biometric reader, such as a veinscanner, fingerprint reader, retina scanner, etc. The Wii Remote'sbiometric reader can authenticate players. If a player's biometricinformation is authentic, the Wii Remote can provide the player's playeridentifier to a wagering game machine, thus eliminating a need for theplayer card. If the player's biometric information is not authentic, theWii Remote can remain locked.

Example Wagering Game Machines

This section provides more details about wagering game machines.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a wagering game machine, according toexample embodiments of the invention. Referring to FIG. 7, a wageringgame machine 700 is used in gaming establishments, such as casinos.According to embodiments, the wagering game machine 700 can be any typeof wagering game machine and can have varying structures and methods ofoperation. For example, the wagering game machine 700 can be anelectromechanical wagering game machine configured to play mechanicalslots, or it can be an electronic wagering game machine configured toplay video casino games, such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker,blackjack, roulette, etc.

The wagering game machine 700 comprises a housing 712 and includes inputdevices, including value input devices 718 and a player input device724. For output, the wagering game machine 700 includes a primarydisplay 714 for displaying information about a basic wagering game. Theprimary display 714 can also display information about a bonus wageringgame and a progressive wagering game. The wagering game machine 700 alsoincludes a secondary display 716 for displaying wagering game events,wagering game outcomes, and/or signage information. While somecomponents of the wagering game machine 700 are described herein,numerous other elements can exist and can be used in any number orcombination to create varying forms of the wagering game machine 700.

The value input devices 718 can take any suitable form and can belocated on the front of the housing 712. The value input devices 718 canreceive currency and/or credits inserted by a player. The value inputdevices 718 can include coin acceptors for receiving coin currency andbill acceptors for receiving paper currency. Furthermore, the valueinput devices 718 can include ticket readers or barcode scanners forreading information stored on vouchers, cards, or other tangibleportable storage devices. The vouchers or cards can authorize access tocentral accounts, which can transfer money to the wagering game machine700.

The player input device 724 comprises a plurality of push buttons on abutton panel 726 for operating the wagering game machine 700. Inaddition, or alternatively, the player input device 724 can comprise atouch screen 728 mounted over the primary display 714 and/or secondarydisplay 716.

The various components of the wagering game machine 700 can be connecteddirectly to, or contained within, the housing 712. Alternatively, someof the wagering game machine's components can be located outside of thehousing 712, while being communicatively coupled with the wagering gamemachine 700 using any suitable wired or wireless communicationtechnology.

The operation of the basic wagering game can be displayed to the playeron the primary display 714. The primary display 714 can also display abonus game associated with the basic wagering game. The primary display714 can include a cathode ray tube (CRT), a high resolution liquidcrystal display (LCD), a plasma display, light emitting diodes (LEDs),or any other type of display suitable for use in the wagering gamemachine 700. Alternatively, the primary display 714 can include a numberof mechanical reels to display the outcome. In FIG. 7, the wagering gamemachine 700 is an “upright” version in which the primary display 714 isoriented vertically relative to the player. Alternatively, the wageringgame machine can be a “slant-top” version in which the primary display714 is slanted at about a thirty-degree angle toward the player of thewagering game machine 700. In yet another embodiment, the wagering gamemachine 700 can exhibit any suitable form factor, such as a freestanding model, bartop model, mobile handheld model, or workstationconsole model.

A player begins playing a basic wagering game by making a wager via thevalue input device 718. The player can initiate play by using the playerinput device's buttons or touch screen 728. The basic game can includearranging a plurality of symbols along a payline 732, which indicatesone or more outcomes of the basic game. Such outcomes can be randomlyselected in response to player input. At least one of the outcomes,which can include any variation or combination of symbols, can trigger abonus game.

In some embodiments, the wagering game machine 700 can also include aninformation reader 752, which can include a card reader, ticket reader,bar code scanner, RFID transceiver, or computer readable storage mediuminterface. In some embodiments, the information reader 752 can be usedto award complimentary services, restore game assets, track playerhabits, etc.

General

This detailed description refers to specific examples in the drawingsand illustrations. These examples are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the inventive subjectmatter. These examples also serve to illustrate how the inventivesubject matter can be applied to various purposes or embodiments. Otherembodiments are included within the inventive subject matter, aslogical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes can be made to theexample embodiments described herein. Features of various embodimentsdescribed herein, however essential to the example embodiments in whichthey are incorporated, do not limit the inventive subject matter as awhole, and any reference to the invention, its elements, operation, andapplication are not limiting as a whole, but serve only to define theseexample embodiments. This detailed description does not, therefore,limit embodiments of the invention, which are defined only by theappended claims. Each of the embodiments is contemplated as fallingwithin the inventive subject matter, which is set forth in the followingclaims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for establishing Bluetooth™pairingrelationships between a Bluetooth enabled device and wagering gamemachines of a wagering game network, the method comprising: receiving,by a first wagering game machine, a player identifier and a personalidentification (PIN) number necessary for pairing the Bluetooth enableddevice with the wagering game machines of the wagering game network;storing the PIN in association with the player identifier; pairing theBluetooth enabled device to a second wagering game machine using the PINstored in association with the player identifier, the pairing includingreceiving, via a player input device of the second wagering gamemachine, the player identifier; detecting, via a Bluetooth interface ofthe second wagering game machine, the Bluetooth enabled device; inresponse to the detecting, performing a Bluetooth protocol pairingprocess to enable Bluetooth protocol communications between the secondwagering game machine and the Bluetooth enabled device, the performingincluding requesting, over a communications network, the PIN that hasbeen stored in association with the player identifier; receiving, overthe communications network, the PIN; generating, by the second wageringgame machine, a first encryption key based on the PIN; receiving, fromthe Bluetooth enabled device, a second encryption key that was createdbased at least in part on the PIN; authenticating the Bluetooth enableddevice based at least in part on the first and second encryption keys;presenting results of a wagering game on the second wagering gamemachine; and after the Bluetooth protocol pairing process, transmitting,via the Bluetooth protocol communications, data indicating the resultsto the Bluetooth enabled device.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thereceiving the player identifier occurs without communications betweenthe second wagering game machine and the Bluetooth enabled device. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein determining the PIN includes procuringthe PIN from a repository remote from the second wagering game machine.4. The method of claim 1 further comprising: transmitting, to theBluetooth enabled device, an award associated with the wagering game,wherein the award includes media content presentable on the Bluetoothenabled device.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising: detecting,by the second wagering game machine via one or more electronic inputdevices, a physical item associated with a monetary value thatestablishes a credit balance; initiating, by the second wagering gamemachine, the wagering game in response to an input indicative of a wagercovered by the credit balance.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein theBluetooth enabled device is one of a wireless headset, personal digitalassistant, or Nintendo® Wii Remote.
 7. One or more non-transitorymachine-readable storage media having instructions stored therein thatwhen executed by one or more processors cause the one or more processorsto perform operations for establishing a Bluetooth® pairing relationshipbetween a wagering game machine and a Bluetooth enabled mobile devicefor communicating via Bluetooth protocol, the instructions comprising:instructions to receive a personal identification number (PIN) andplayer identifier from a first a first wagering game machine;instructions to store the PIN in association with the player identifier;instructions to receive, at a second wagering game machine via a playerinput device, the player identifier; instructions to detect, via aBluetooth interface of the second wagering game machine, a signalindicating a mobile device; instructions to cause retrieval of the PINbased on the player identifier, wherein the PIN is for paring the mobiledevice with the second wagering game machine for conducting encryptedBluetooth communications; instructions to generate a first encryptionkey based at least in part on the PIN; instructions to receive, from themobile device, a second encryption key; instructions to authenticate themobile device based at least in part on the first and second encryptionkeys; instructions to establish, by the second wagering game machine,the encrypted Blue-tooth communications with the mobile device;instructions to transmit, to the mobile device, an indication of aresult of a wagering game played on the second wagering game machine. 8.The one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage media of claim7, wherein the database includes a plurality of different PINs and alist of mobile devices and player identifiers associated with each ofthe plurality of different PINs.
 9. The one or more non-transitorymachine-readable storage media of claim 7, wherein the instructionsfurther include: instructions to detect, by the second wagering gamemachine via at least one of the one or more electronic input devices, aphysical item associated with a monetary value that establishes a creditbalance; instructions to initiate, by the second wagering game machine,the wagering game in response to an input indicative of a wager coveredby the credit balance.
 10. The one or more non-transitorymachine-readable storage media of claim 7, the instructions furthercomprising: instructions to request, from the mobile device, the secondencryption key.
 11. The one or more non-transitory machine readablemedia of claim 7, wherein the result of the wagering game includes afree media download award, the instructions further comprising:instructions to transmit, via the communications network to the mobiledevice, a uniform resource locator selectable to obtain the free mediadownload.
 12. A wagering game system comprising: a first wagering gamemachine including one or more electronic input devices configured toreceive a player identifier and a personal identification number (PIN)for Bluetooth paring a mobile device with the first wagering gamemachine; storing the PIN in a database remote from the first wageringgame machine; a second wagering game machine including a value inputdevice configured to detect a physical item associated with a monetaryvalue that establishes a credit balance; a wagering game unit configuredto initiate the casino wagering game in response to an input indicativeof a wager covered by the credit balance; a machine-readable mediumincluding instructions executable on at least one processor, theinstructions including: instructions to receive, via the one or moreinput devices, the player identifier; instructions to detect that themobile device is in proximity to the wagering game machine; instructionsto receive the personal identification number (PIN) from the database,wherein the PIN is for use in paring the mobile device with the wageringgame machine for conducting Bluetooth communications with the mobiledevice; instructions to generate a first encryption key based on thePIN; instructions to receive, from the mobile device, a secondencryption key that was created based on the PIN; instructions toauthenticate the mobile device based at least in part on the first andsecond encryption keys; instructions to establish, by the wagering gamemachine, the Bluetooth communications with the mobile device;instructions to transmit, to the mobile device via a Bluetoothcommunication, an indication of a result of the wagering game.
 13. Thewagering game machine of claim 12, wherein the selection of the PINoccurs automatically without player input.
 14. The wagering game machineof claim 12, the instructions further including: instructions torequest, from the mobile device, the second encryption key.
 15. Thewagering game machine of claim 12, wherein the result of the wageringgame includes a free media download award, the instructions furthercomprising: instructions to transmit, to the mobile device, a uniformresource locator selectable to obtain the free media download.